Membership

Why not join the Whitwick Historical Group and get more involved? There are always projects that need an extra pair of hands. Become a member for £15 a year for an individual and £20 for couples, and for 16 to 21 year olds just £5.00.

Welcome

Whitwick Historical Group is based at the Old Station Building in Whitwick. The group houses a large collection of resources which are available to members and non-members of the group.

Resources include photographs, maps, documents and artefacts and our media room provides access to microfiche, census returns, CDs etc. All these resources can be used by family history researchers as well as people that are interested in the history and heritage of the area, and experienced friendly experts are always on hand to help you.

The group enjoys an enviable reputation for producing its own publications, it arranges public talks on local heritage topics, produces a quarterly newsletter and annual calendar and presents regular exhibitions on national topics as well as local issues. Come and see us to discuss how we can help you with your research. Perhaps you have some old photographs that you would like the group to place in its archive?

We are a group run entirely by volunteers and suggest that users of Whitwick Historical Group may wish to make a donation when using our resources. Thank you.

Take a look at the resources we offer and call in to see us - we'll be pleased to see you.

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35th Anniversary Exhibition

In October, the team at Whitwick Historical Group organised an exhibition with the theme of “Whitwick Schools” to mark the Group’s 35th Anniversary. We were all delighted by the support received from the local community. The dry, warm and sunny weather was ideal and the event was very well-attended.

There were many positive aspects to the day but particular favourites inside the hall seemed to be studying the old school photographs; reading the Attendance Registers; looking at the displays by current school children and meeting up with old friends to share reminiscences. Lots of visitors sat together to have a go at the quizzes or enjoy the delicious home-made cakes. The room was filled with sounds of pleasant chatter and laughter.

Outside, visitors found the Browns Blue bus a terrific attraction. Twice during the day the owner, Mick Gamble, drove the bus into Coalville following one of the former company’s routes. There were stops for photo opportunities for the passengers and no doubt for people along the route too.

One staunch supporter of the Group had shared his memories of playground games from the 1940s and 1950s. We had fun trying to recall the rules and rhymes that accompanied these games, particularly for skipping with a long rope and playing ball against a brick wall. Whilst football and chasing games are still very popular, others, like playing with marbles and snobs, have become obscure. The old games were often seasonal and were picked up from older children or parents.

Looking ahead, Whitwick Historical Group will be involved in events to mark the Armistice Centenary this month. Otherwise, the team at the Old Station will continue to support people researching their family history and doing as much as possible to play an active role in the local community. Volunteers are always needed and will be warmly welcomed. If you are interested in local history, why not come along and find out more.